Parity Pipeline

Parity Pipeline

What We Are Made Of

This documentary-series (10 x 20 min.) depicts the strength and tenacity found in today's youth across the globe. It portrays how teenagers, grappling with challenges such as adversity, crisis, and trauma, choose to confront their struggles head-on rather than succumb to them. As they navigate through their hardships, they uncover their unique strengths; those superpowers that set them apart and empower them to effect change.

  • ABOUT
  • BIO
  • GALLERY

Genre

Synopsis

The concept for these 10 episodes emerges from a pressing need in today’s media landscape. There is a significant gap for authentic, engaging and uplifting documentaries that resonate with a young audience. Meet these incredible young trailblazers: 

1.In Zimbabwe, a young orphan discovers a sustainable way to grow oyster mushrooms, providing both income and essential nutrition for him and his community.

2. A girl from a socially deprived background finds solace and strength in meditation and K at a Buddhist nunnery in Nepal. Through her spiritual journey, she learns the importance of inner peace and discipline, which transforms her outlook on life. 

3. In India, a girl enters a self-organized street-dance group, where  she hones her acrobatic skills and expresses herself through movement. This creative outlet not only builds her confidence but also fosters a sense of community among her peers.

4. A determined boy in the USA takes on the challenge of recycling over half a million batteries, aeducating more than 38 million people about environmental responsibility. His efforts highlight the power of youth activism in driving change

5. A boy from Palestine channels his experiences of war into rap music while living in the USA, using art as a means of healing and expression.

6. In Sudan, a boy fabricates reusable sanitary pads to support his female peers, breaking down taboos surrounding menstruation.

7. A boy who grew up in a refugee camp in England is determined to return to school and ultimately become a teacher for other refugees.

8. In Mexico, a girl from a poor background invents a unique solar panel made from recycled materials and trash to heat water, addressing both energy needs and waste management in poor communities.

9. A teenager from a troubled background finds purpose and healing while caring for elephants in a shelter in Thailand.

10. A girl develops an AI app designed to detect various eye diseases, providing a crucial service for those who cannot afford medical care. Her innovation addresses a significant gap in healthcare access, demonstrating the potential of technology to improve lives.


Bio

From 2006 to 2016 Irja von Bernstorff worked for the German documentary production fechnerMEDIA. In 2013 she moved to Bhutan where she was the first foreigner to direct a 25-episode series for Bhutanese Broadcasting Service. The feature-length documentary "The Farmer and I" reflects her personal experience in Bhutan, premiered 2016 on the Max-Ophüls Film Festival and had a theatrical release in German cinemas. It won Best Documentary Film on the Polish International Film Festival and on the Hollywood International Independent Film Festival. Since 2016 she has produced and directed several portraits on children in challenging situations for the format „Schau in meine Welt“ aired on KIKA/SWR. Her portrait about child Labour in Bangladesh was awarded one of the 10 best children film productions in 2018/2019 by German National Broadcaster. Irja produced and directed a film called „Bhutan – Change in the Happy Kingdom“ which had over 22 Mio. views on Deutsche Welle YT channel. 2020 she produced and directed a mini-series 4 x 25 min. and an international feature-length documentary "GIRLS FOR FUTURE" on four girls who are environmental activists, fighting to save their homes and communities available on Deutsche Welle YT channel in Hindi, English, Spanish under the title of “Four girls with one mission”. The film premiered in 2021 internationally on the Zlin Film Festival in Czech Republic and won several prestigious awards especially for young audiences like the Unicef Special Price, Prix Jeunesse, Best World Documentary from Harlem Film Festival and Girl Empowerment Award from the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.